Traxxas 1508 User Manual
Page 4
5) Operate the throttle stick on the transmitter to ensure that the throt-
tle is operating properly. If the propellers start spinning after you
plug in the battery, or the boat doesn’t seem to reach full speed,
then refer to the directions for adjusting the electronic speed control.
6) The radio system should be range-tested before each session
of running. With the radio system on, have a friend carry the
boat away from you a distance equal to the maximum range
you plan to operate the the Villain IV. At distance, once again
test for complete radio control. Never attempt to run the Villain
IV if the radio appears to be malfunctioning in any way.
ELECTRONIC
SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
The Traxxas electronic speed control is a fully-proportional, for-
ward-reverse unit. It has two adjustments; the neutral control and
the proportional control. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the controls.
The speed control must be removed to gain access to the controls
CAUTION: The adjustment controls will only turn
1/4 turn left or right from center. Do not turn the
controls past their stops or they will break. Use a
light touch when making adjustments. Controls
damaged by overturning them past their stops will
not be covered under the warranty.
• Adjusting the neutral control: First, set the Villain IV on its
stand, turn on the transmitter, and plug a fresh battery pack into
the speed control. Set the throttle trim slider on the transmitter to
the middle of its range. If the Villain IV’s motor is running, gently
turn the neutral control right or left until the motor stops running
and the L.E.D. is off (neither green or red).
• Adjusting the proportional control: After setting the neutral
control, move the throttle lever on the transmitter to full throttle.
Now, carefully adjust the proportional control right or left until the
motor is running at its fastest speed and there is a strong green
light emitted from the L.E.D. Do not run for more than 30-seconds
out of the water or heat buildup could damage the drive system.
CENTERING YOUR SERVOS
Whenever your radio system has been removed for service or
cleaning, the steering servo must be re-centered prior to installing
the radio system in the model. If the radio system is already
installed in the boat, disconnect the servo horn from the servo.
Connect the steering servo to channel 1 on your receiver and
the electronic speed control (or throttle servo for mechanical
speed controls) to channel 2. The white wire on the servo cable is
positioned towards the crystal. Connect the battery cable from
the 4-cell receiver pack to the “batt” terminal on the receiver.
Place fresh “AA” batteries in the transmitter and turn the power
switch on. Slide the throttle and steering trim adjustments to the
center position. Connect a fresh 7.2V battery pack to the elec-
tronic speed control and turn the power switch to the on position.
The servo(s) will automatically jump to its center position.
Turn off the power switch in the boat followed by the transmitter.
The servo is now ready to be installed. Be careful not to move the
servo shaft when installing the linkages. Readjust the electronic
speed control (model 1508) as described in the previous section.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Form the habit of visually inspecting the mechanical integrity of
the Villain IV before each run.
1) Normally, some water will accumulate inside the boat. Empty any
standing water out of the boat between runs. Pour any water out
the side or front of the boat. Do not drain the water out of the
back of the boat (near the radio system).
2) Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections.
3) Check the tightness of the grub screws in the collars on the
steering linkages, in the propellers, and in the universal joint
yokes (connecting the outdrives to the driveshafts). Thread-
locking compound can be applied to these screws to prevent
them from loosening.
4) Check the mounting of the receiver and servos.
5) Check the driveshaft seals for damage. Do not attempt to run
the Villain IV if these seals are damaged in any way.
6) Check the tightness of the propellers. Visually inspect the props
for nicks, dings, and warpage. Replace if any damage is noticed.
7) Check the operation of the radio system, especially the condi-
tion of the batteries.
8) Visually inspect the hull for any cracks, damage, or possible leaks.
DRIVING THE VILLAIN IV
• Select a body of water which is clear of moss and grass. Do not
drive the Villain IV in extremely rough, choppy water or in high
wind (more than 15 MPH). These conditions could cause your
Villain IV to flip over. The water should be at least 10 inches deep.
• The Villain IV’s steering is very sensitive. A slight input on the
steering control will have a large effect on the boat. When the
boat is out in open water, adjust the steering trim on the trans-
mitter until the boat travels in a straight line on its own. (Note:
The Villain IV will only travel in a straight line on its own when it
is heading straight into or away from the wind. Crosswinds will
require constant steering input to maintain a straight course.)
• To prevent spin outs, avoid steering sharply at high speed.
4
STOP
STOP
1
/
4
Turn
1
/
4
Turn
Center
N
EU
TRA
L
P
R
O
PO
RTIO
N
A
L
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
TO
BATTERY
PACK
CHANNEL 1
STEERING
SERVO
ELECTRONIC
SPEED
CONTROL
CHANNEL-1
ANTENNA
RECEIVER
ON/OFF
SWITCH
TO
MOTOR
CHANNEL-2
BATTERY
WIRE COLORS
BLACK
RED
WHITE
4-CELL
BATTERY HOLDER
PART# 3170
ON/OFF
SWITCH
BLACK
NEGATIVE
RED
POSITIVE
TO
MOTOR